St. Louis County Library Celebrates Children's Book Week

St. Louis County Library will celebrate Children's Book Week during May 13-19 with a series of author events for kids and teens. All programs are free and open to the public.

Established in 1919, Children's Book Week is the longest-running literacy initiative in the country. Each year, the joy of reading is celebrated for a full week with book-related events at schools, libraries, bookstores, and homes from coast to coast.

The St. Louis County Library is very pleased to participate in the 2013 Children's Book Week with the following author events:

Tuesday, May 14, 7:00 p.m.

Daniel Boone Branch, 300 Clarkson Road

Ridley Pearson, "Kingdom Keepers VI: Dark Passage"

St. Louis's most popular young adult adventure writer presents the sixth installment in his bestselling Kingdom Keepers series about teenage protectors of Disneyland. In "Dark Passage," the Kingdom Keepers board the Disney Cruise Line for its inaugural passage through the Panama Canal. They soon uncover a startling discovery: Maleficent and the evil Overtakers are plotting a catastrophic event that could have repercussions far beyond the world of Disney.

Wednesday, May 15, 7:00 p.m.

Daniel Boone Branch, 300 Clarkson Road

St. Louis Teen Authors Heather Brewer and Antony John

Popular St. Louis teen authors Heather Brewer and Antony John pair up for a terrific night of thrills and adventure. New York Times bestselling author of the Chronicles of Vladimir Tod series, Brewer will discuss and sign the second installment in the Slayer Chronicles, "Second Chance." Antony John is the author of the teen hits "Five Flavors of Dumb" and "Thou Shalt Road Trip." His new book, "Elemental," the first in a trilogy, is a post-apocalyptic tale of a small band of survivors who must use supernatural powers to fend off ruthless pirates.

Friday, May 17, 7:00 p.m.

Headquarters, 1640 S. Lindbergh Blvd.

Eoin Colfer, "W.A.R.P. Book 1: The Reluctant Assassin"

Colfer is the author of the wildly popular Artemis Fowl series and "The Supernaturalist." He presents the first book in his newest series, Witness Anonymous Relocation Program (W.A.R.P.). "The Reluctant Assassin" introduces us to Riley, a Victorian boy who is suddenly plucked from his own time into ours. He and young FBI Agent Chevie Savano are forced to flee Riley's former master, Albert Garrick, who pursues Riley through time and will not stop until he has hunted him down. And they must keep Garrick from returning to his own time with knowledge and power that could change the world forever.

Saturday, May 18, 10:00 a.m.

Daniel Boone Branch, 300 Clarkson Road

Jennifer Ward, "What Will Hatch?"

Join us for a special story time with award-winning author, Jennifer Ward. Ward is the author of several acclaimed picture books including "There was a Coyote Who Swallowed a Flea" and "There was an Old Monkey Who Swallowed a Frog." Ward is also the author of the popular parenting book, "I Love Dirt! 52 Activities to Help You and Your Kids Discover the Wonders of Nature." Ward will be reading her newest picture book, "What Will Hatch?"

Saturday, May 18, 2:00 p.m.

Headquarters, 1640 S. Lindbergh Blvd.

Carolyn DeCristofano, "A Black Hole is Not a Hole"

DeCristofano is the author of the notable non-fiction books, "Big Bang! The Tongue-Tickling Tale of a Speck That Became Spectacular" and "Leonardo's ABC." She will be discussing her latest book, "A Black Hole is Not a Hole" and answering the questions, "What is a black hole? Where do they come from? Can we visit one?" The St. Louis Science Center will present its "Motion Magic" science demonstration before the author presentation.

Please call 314-994-3300 for information about the Children's Book Week events at St. Louis County Library or visit www.slcl.org.